Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) from Gorakhpur. With the launch, the first instalment of Rs 2,000 will be directly credited to the bank accounts of selected beneficiary farmers.
The Prime Minister congratulated the farmers for the launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
He also congratulated farmer families engaged in dairy farming, and fisheries, as they now have access to Kisan Credit Cards.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that this day is etched in history, because the biggest scheme for farmers since independence, has begun today.
Modi said that the Government is determined to make the farmers capable and empowered.
He said that the Government is working to provide all the necessary means to the farmers, to enable them to double their income by 2022.
About 12 crore farmers are expected to benefit from PM-KISAN. The Prime Minister said that through this scheme, Rs. 75,000 crore will be transferred to farmers’ accounts every year.
He urged State Governments to send the lists of beneficiary farmers to the Union Government at the earliest so that farmers can receive the benefit of this scheme in time.
The Prime Minister said that while the loan waivers announced periodically by earlier Governments, did not provide long term or comprehensive relief to the farmers, PM-KISAN will not only provide them relief but will also mark a massive investment in the rural economy.
He said that PM-KISAN depends on direct transfer, and therefore the entire amount will reach the beneficiary.
Modi added that the Government is also investing about one lakh crore rupees to complete long pending irrigation projects, which will be of great and lasting help to farmers in many parts of the country.
He also mentioned the 17 crore soil health cards, neem coating of urea, MSP for 22 crops at 50 per cent above the cost price, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, and the e-NAM platform.
The Prime Minister said that farmers can now avail credit uptoRs. 1.60 lakh, through Kisan Credit Cards. He also touched upon other welfare schemes for the benefit of farmers.
Modi said that the entire region of Eastern Uttar Pradesh is undergoing rapid transformation. Industry, Connectivity and the Health sector are all witnesses to this change, he added.